Psoriasis – Medical Marijuana Research Overview

The following information is presented for educational purposes only. Higher Society of Indiana Inc. provides this information to provide an understanding of the potential applications of cannabidiol. Links to third party websites do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations by Higher Society of Indiana Inc. and none should be inferred.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes a red, dry, flaky rash, and in some cases can lead to psoriatic arthritis. Studies have shown that cannabis can help in the treatment efforts of psoriasis by regulating the immune system and managing overactive skin cells.

Overview of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a relatively common autoimmune skin disorder that causes cells to build up on the surface of the skin, leading to thick, red skin with silvery scales. Patches can show up anywhere on the body, but most commonly develop on the elbows, knees, back, face and scalp, palms and feet.

Psoriasis is caused by a problem with the body’s immune system. Cell turnover is a normal process where skin cells growing deep in the skin rise to the surface. Typically, this process takes a month, but in someone with psoriasis, the process takes just days, as the cells rise to the skin’s surface too quickly. The condition most commonly occurs in adults.

The appearance of psoriasis patches can vary between individuals. Some may experience red patches of skin with silvery scales, while others may develop dry, cracked skin that bleeds. The patches can be itchy and painful. The severity of the psoriasis symptoms often fluctuates, with flare-ups lasting weeks or months at a time. Infections, stress, dry skin and certain medicines can make symptoms worse.

Psoriasis is likely caused by a type of white blood cells that mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. These overactive T cells also trigger additional immune responses, causing blood vessels in the skin to dilate. Genetics may play a role, but environmental factors such as infections, skin injuries, stress, cold weather, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and certain medications may trigger psoriasis.

Psoriasis may also cause swollen and stiff joints and thickened or ridged nails in a condition called psoriatic arthritis. It occurs when the body’s immune system begins to attack healthy cells and tissue, leading to joint inflammation and skin cell overproduction. Joints throughout the entire body can be affected, including the spine and fingers. The signs and symptoms can resemble those of rheumatoid arthritis. The condition can also cause pain in the feet and lower back, and swollen fingers and toes.

Findings: Effects of Cannabis on Psoriasis

Studies indicate that the cannabinoids found within cannabis can help manage psoriasis through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system. When the endocannabinoid system is disrupted, it can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. However, studies show that cannabinoids’ interaction with cannabinoid receptors within the endocannabinoid system (ECS) help regulate proper function of the immune system2,5,10. Earlier clinical trial data found that cannabis helps prevent psoriasis flare-ups by activating the cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors of the ECS4. Most recently, a literature review concluded that cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory effects and their regulating affects on the immune system make them a potential treatment agent for psoriasis3.

Research also suggests that cannabis can help treat psoriasis symptoms by managing the over activity of T cells. One study found that cannabinoid’s interaction with cannabis receptors of the body’s ECS is implicated in several biological processes related to the skin, including proliferation of skin cells1. A later study determined that CB receptors likely play a circumstantial role in T cell activity, but that cannabis’ ability to inhibit the activity of the cells is unrelated to its activation of CB receptors11. Four of the major cannabinoids found within cannabis, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG), have been shown to effectively inhibit overactive T cells and thereby play a therapeutic role in psoriasis treatment efforts11.

Additionally, studies have found that through the activation of CB2 receptors, cannabinoids can help alleviate, and in some cases reverse, skin inflammation damage6.

States That Have Approved Medical Marijuana for Psoriasis

Only the state of Connecticut has approved medical marijuana for the treatment of severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. With the recent passing of HB 5450, the state began allowing minors under 18 with psoriasis to use medical marijuana in October 2016.

Additionally, nearly all states with medical marijuana laws have approved medicinal cannabis specifically to treat “chronic pain.” These states include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. The states of Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio and Vermont allow medical marijuana to treat “severe pain.” The states of Arkansas, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington have approved cannabis for the treatment of “intractable pain.”

In Washington D.C., any condition recommended by DC-licensed physician can be approved for medical marijuana.

California allows medical marijuana for “any debilitating illness where the medical use of marijuana has been deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician.’” Psoriasis patients in Massachusetts may be able to get legal access, as the state approves “other conditions as determined in writing by a qualifying patient’s physician.” In Oregon and Rhode Island, “other conditions are subject to approval.”

Recent Studies on Cannabis’ Effect on Psoriasis

Because of cannabis’ anti-inflammatory effects, it may an effective treatment agent for psoriasis.Cannabis for refractory psoriasis-high hopes for a novel treatment and a literature review.
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27164964)

Derakhshan, N., and Kazema, M. (2016, May 11). Cannabis for refractory psoriasis-high hopes for a novel treatment and a literature review. Current Clinical Pharmacology, [Epub ahead of print]. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27164964.

Wilkinson, J.D., and Williamson, E.M. (2007, February). Cannabinoids inhibit human keratinocyte proliferation through a non-CB1/CB2 mechanism and have a potential therapeutic value in the treatment of psoriasis. Journal of Dermatological Science, 45(2), 87-92.

This article may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties.

Related Posts

Public Information

Public News & Education Notice

The articles contained in Indycann.org are automatically fed from numerous public websites throughout the internet. These articles are generated, from relevant sources, that have met the keyword criteria, our team submits to this automated system and is automatically republished on Indycann.org's news & education pages.

Indycann, LLC. makes no claims to authorship of said materials, and respects the original sources for supplying public information to the general public. Claims of infringements are not supported in that the materials are public and available on the internet. Indycann.org does not support any third party links or products and does not warranty as such. It is the intent of our organization to provide accurate and relevant source materials to educate individuals, groups, and government agencies the importance knowledge.

Please search at your own risk and always validate any materials deemed fit to publish. Thank you for your continued support.

Bobby Jo Young Founder - CEO of Indycann, LLC.

A MUST READ ARTICLE

Get Social

Currently lobbying for full legalization of Cannabis in Indiana. Spreading awareness to all Hoosiers of the benefits of cannabis legalization.